Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Pasadena Private Lending Backs Local Business Recovery Through ‘Build Back Dena’ Initiative

Credit: Pasadena Private Lending Inc.

The coordinated campaign was created to strengthen small businesses in Pasadena and Altadena following the Eaton Fire

On Tuesday, Pasadena Private Lending Inc. announced its financial contribution to, and strategic partnership with, Build Back Dena: The Business Resilience Project, a coordinated campaign to help small businesses in Pasadena and Altadena recover from the devastating Eaton Fire earlier this year.

Pasadena Private Lending is a non-bank lender affiliated with Pasadena Private Financial Group. It joined forces with Hope Ventures to offer targeted financial resources and business advisory services tailored to entrepreneurs navigating the path to recovery.

“We’re not just here to lend capital—we’re here to lend strength,” said Iain A. Whyte, founder and CEO of Pasadena Private Lending.

“Our roots are in this community, and we believe in showing up when it matters most. Rebuilding from a disaster like the Eaton Fire will take years, and we are committed to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the businesses, families, and leaders shaping that future.”

According to the partners, the initiative spotlights resilience and equity by supporting businesses historically underserved in conventional recovery frameworks. It includes creative lending programs, tailored workshops, financial literacy efforts and access to new growth capital — all aimed at building a small business ecosystem capable of withstanding future crises.

“We’re helping ensure recovery efforts are not just about rebuilding what was lost,” Whyte added, “but about creating a stronger, more resilient small business ecosystem that can weather future challenges.”

Community members and business owners are encouraged to participate or learn more via the initiative’s website at www.buildbackdena.com.

The recovery initiative is driven by a coalition of public and private stakeholders, including the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, Pasadena Economic Development, the Eaton Fire Collaborative and local community leaders. Its long-term focus is to provide fire-affected local businesses with access to capital, mentorship, infrastructure support and strategic planning.

Pasadena Private Lending Inc., headquartered in Pasadena, offers Owner-Guaranteed Business Loans ranging from $2 million to $15 million to lower middle-market companies with total earnings of $1 million to $5 million.

For inquiries, visit www.pasadena-private-lending.com or contact the firm at (626) 993-9350. Offices are located at 2 North Lake Avenue, Suite 510.